Women-only tours and travel | MORAL COMPASS: Great Places to Go Where the Going Does Good

Road Scholar has introduced its first women-only program in Antarctica. Spirit of Antarctica: Expedition for Women is a 15-day learning adventure designed exclusively for women, operated in partnership with Aurora Expeditions (photo: Road Scholar)

Boston, MA —Road Scholar, the not-for-profit world leader in educational travel for older adults, announces their first women-only program in Antarctica! Spirit of Antarctica: Expedition for Women is a 15-day learning adventure designed exclusively for women and will be led by an all-female Expedition Team. The program is in partnership with Aurora Expeditions.

“There’s a special sense of camaraderie and belonging that happens when you have a group of women learning together,” says Road Scholar’s Director of Program Management Eliza Carrera. “And the opportunity to learn from an all-women expedition team will add an extra layer of depth and connection for all of the passengers onboard the ship.”

The all-female Expedition Team won’t just lead lectures and activities — they will drive the Zodiacs, lead landings and hikes, and oversee the expedition’s activities. Participants will also hear from female guest speakers who have been pioneers in different fields.

“Many of our participants are contemporaries of these milestones and witnessed these women making history during their own lifetimes,” says Road Scholar Program Operations Director Ines Arditto. “Having these women sharing their stories and expertise is certain to make the experience particularly meaningful.”

The adventure begins with two nights in Buenos Aires and one night in Ushuaia before participants board the Sylvia Earle, named for the pioneering female scientist. After crossing the Drake Passage, the group will explore the Antarctic Peninsula by Zodiac, with opportunities to see penguins, seals and whales amid glaciers, icebergs and vast landscapes.

As with all Road Scholar programs, education is woven throughout the journey, with a comprehensive onboard library, an interactive laboratory and guidance from the Expedition Team. Road Scholar’s group of up to 24 participants will also have private gatherings for discussion and camaraderie, along with an experienced Group Leader throughout the program.

Spirit of Antarctica: Expedition for Women departs February 29, 2028 — Leap Day — and is now open for registration. Roommate options and single rooms are available. Given the appeal of an Antarctica adventure designed specifically for women, Road Scholar expects strong interest, particularly from solo travelers, and the program could fill quickly.

Not-for-profit Road Scholar is the world leader in educational experiences for older adults, serving 6.5 million lifelong learners since 1975. Their educational travel programs provide experiential learning opportunities for adults over 50 on all seven continents and throughout the U.S. From immersive travel to engaging online learning, Road Scholar inspires adults to keep exploring, discovering, and growing through the joy of lifelong learning.

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*smarTours’ seven-day, women-only tour through Iceland takes travelers through Reykjavik and Vik, with opportunities to see the Northern Lights and Iceland’s famous waterfalls*
© *Karen Rubin/goingplacesfarandnear.com*

NEW YORK –In celebration of International Women’s Day on March 8, the United States Tour Operators Association (USTOA) is highlighting women-focused itineraries offered by its tour operator members. Spanning the globe from Iceland to Ireland, Japan to Chile, each program offers small group, immersive experiences that allow guests to pursue a passion or check a box on their bucket list.

“USTOA tour operators have a collection of itineraries created by women, for women, that are packed with hands-on adventures and singular experiences. Each vacation provides much more than a traditional getaway, with opportunities to explore a new destination with like-minded travelers,” said Terry Dale, president and CEO of USTOA.

The collection of small group, women-only trips in 2020 include:

Incredible Iceland with Northern Lights – smarTours’ seven-day, women-only tour through Iceland takes travelers through Reykjavik and Vik, with opportunities to see the Northern Lights, Seljalandsfoss & Skogafoss Waterfalls, and more. Departure is available on October 29 starting at $2,399 per person.

Authentic Ladies Tee Time – Authentic Vacations offers a nine-day tour of Ireland’s five-star golf courses, designed for a private group of women who are interested in golfing the Emerald Isle’s lush landscape, experiencing fine dining, and relaxing at spas. Private group tours are available starting at $3,248 per person.

Japan Zen – The Art of Simple Living – Perillo’s Learning Journeys’ 11-day women’s journey explores Japanese culture in Tokyo and Kyoto, where guests will attend meditation sessions, stay in a traditional ryokan inn, and participate in sake tastings and cooking classes.Departure is available on May 31 starting at $5,475 per person.

Chile with Patagonia – SITA World Tours’ six-day, women-only adventure through Chile and Patagonia takes guests to Chile’s wine country in Casablanca and Curacavi and a day in Torres del Paine National Park, with trip extensions available to Easter Island and Buenos Aires. Departure is available on November 12 starting at 3,810 per person.

In addition to better access to attractions, activities and lodgings, a benefit of traveling with a well-established tour operator is the additional layer of safety and security and ability to respond to changing situations at the destination.

Find all the itineraries offered by USTOA tour operators at https://ustoa.stridetravel.com/

Representing nearly $19 billion in revenue, the member companies of U.S. Tour Operators Association provide tours, packages and custom arrangements that allow 9.8 million travelers annually unparalleled access, insider knowledge, peace-of-mind, value and freedom to enjoy destinations and experiences across the entire globe. Each member company has met the travel industry’s highest standards, including participation in the USTOA’s Travelers Assistance Program, which protects consumer payments up to $1 million if the company goes out of business. As a voice for the tour operator industry for more than 40 years, USTOA also provides education and assistance for consumers and travel agents.

For more information on USTOA, visit www.ustoa.com, call 212-599-6599, or email information@ustoa.com.

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